Last Name Loewy

The surname Loewy (or Lowey) is of German and Jewish origins. It comes from the Old High German "lüwa" meaning "young lion" or "cub". In medieval Europe, it was a nickname for someone thought to be as fierce as a lion or for someone born in the Lion sign of the zodiac. The surname may also have originated from various places named Lowen (German for lion) in Germany and Austria. Among Ashkenazi Jews, the name Loewy is commonly associated with rabbis and scholars, such as Rabbi Abraham Isaac ha-Levi Loew ben Bezalel, better known as the Maharal of Prague (1520–1609).

Learn more about the origin of the last name Loewy

The meaning and origin of the last name Loewy

The surname Loewy is of German and Jewish origin, derived from the Middle High German word "Löwe," meaning lion. It is an occupational name for a huntsman or a professional heraldic designer who specialized in creating images of lions, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a dwelling marked by a lion-shaped sign. The surname has also been recorded as Lowy, Lewy, and Löwy, and variations like Levi and Levy may have originated from the same source but were later Hebraized. In some cases, Loewy could also be a nickname for someone with courage or strength, similar to a lion. The name is most common in Central Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, and Poland, and among Jewish communities worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Loewy

The surname Loewy is predominantly of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, stemming from the Middle Ages in Central Europe, particularly Germany and Austria. Over time, due to migration waves, its distribution expanded globally. In modern times, a significant number of individuals with the last name Loewy can be found in countries like the United States, Canada, Israel, and the United Kingdom, reflecting immigration during the 19th and 20th centuries. Within these regions, concentrations can be observed in urban areas such as New York City, Montreal, London, and Tel Aviv. The name's global dispersion is a testament to the historical Jewish diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Loewy

The surname Loewy can be found with several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and time periods. Some common variants include Lowy, Lewy, Leowey, Löwy, and Lewi. These variations arise from different linguistic influences and historical contexts. For instance, the German version of the name is Löwy, while the Yiddish form might be Lewi. In English-speaking countries, it can also be spelled as Lowy or Lewy. It's essential to note that these variations do not necessarily indicate different names but rather alternative ways of writing the same surname.

Famous people with the last name Loewy

Notable individuals with the surname Loewy include Paul Loewy (born 1928), an American physicist who made significant contributions to nuclear physics and was a key figure in the development of the hydrogen bomb during the Cold War era. Additionally, Eva Zeisel (1906-2011) was a Hungarian-American designer known for her modernist approach to ceramics, textiles, glassware, and metalwork. Finally, Joel Loewy (born 1951), is an American attorney who gained prominence for his work in entertainment law, representing high-profile clients such as Madonna and George Clooney. These individuals have left lasting impacts on various fields, including physics, design, and law.

Genealogical research on the last name Loewy

The surname Loewy is of Jewish origin and is derived from the Yiddish word "loeb," meaning lion. Originating in Germany, the name was often given to children born during Passover, as the Hebrew word for lion, "levi," is one of the few names permitted to be given during this holiday according to Jewish law. The Loewy family is believed to have originated from the region of Bavaria and later spread across Europe, including France, Poland, Russia, and Belgium. Notable individuals with the surname include Henri Loewy, a French painter, and Robert Loewy, an American physicist who made contributions in the field of plasma physics. The family name is also associated with the Loewy's Department Stores chain, founded by Samuel Loewy in the United States.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "loewy"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 30 July 2025

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